About Us
The first students of the yet to be named Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School were assembled as a school community at the St. Louis School site in 1984. In 1985, the school moved to Sunnylea Public School and was given the name Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School. In 1990, the school was permanently established at the present West Deane Park location.
Offering a complete curriculum as mandated by the Ministry of Education and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), the unique characteristic of Josyf Cardinal Slipyj remains grounded in the foundations of Eastern Rite religious traditions, Ukrainian heritage, language and culture.
How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students
Offering a balanced curriculum based on sound academics, the arts and co-curricular activities, Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School operates under the direction of the TCDSB. In a Catholic environment enriched by our Eastern Rite traditions, a wide variety of programs and opportunities meet the diverse needs of our student population.
Regular classroom curriculum is delivered according to Ministry of Education guidelines and curriculum guidelines of the TCDSB from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Computer lab facilities and the library resource centre enhance opportunities and the resources available to students.
English as a Second Language (ESL) and special education support programs provide for students with special learning needs. Program modifications assist students experiencing difficulty. A board-wide gifted program is also offered on a weekly basis at two local school centres for students in Grade 5 through Grade 8.
A TCDSB international languages program allows all students from Grade 1 to Grade 8 to experience the language and traditions of the Ukrainian heritage daily, at a level commensurate with their degree of fluency. Formal instruction in Ukrainian and special events highlighting our Ukrainian culture provide distinct and unique experiences for our students. Junior and Senior Kindergarten students receive a Ukrainian immersion program for one half of the day in addition to the regular JK/SK program. St. Nicholas Catholic Church, with the support of parents, contributes supplementary education assistants to the international languages program.
Josyf Cardinal Slipyj also provides an array of programs which augment the regular curriculum. Core French is taught daily from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Vocal music for primary and junior students and an instrumental music strings program for all Grade 6 to Grade 8 students are provided by itinerant staff from the TCDSB music department. Educational assistants are assigned on a needs basis to children or classes requiring special program support. Itinerant guidance staff assist intermediate students and parents in program selection and facilitate the transition from elementary to secondary school. Our guidance teacher and school social worker are also available to assist all students and families with special needs, crisis intervention, liaison with outside agencies and resources as well as individual student counseling as the need arises.
Special theatre and community groups frequently deliver special presentations and performances to students on the environment, authorship, safety and the arts. These performances and programs are available through the financial support of our Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC) and the TCDSB art department.
Extracurricular and cocurricular activities include boys and girls soccer, volleyball, softball, basketball, cross-country running, track and field, primary soccer, student council, school choir, recorder group and W5H.
Complementing the entire school program is a school code of behaviour. It establishes behavioural expectations as well as the structure and security vital in founding a well-ordered and safe learning environment.